College Admissions Trends

Are you ready for regular decision notification dates? Admissions offices across the US are working hard to get through hundreds of thousands of regular decision college applications for the class of 2027 in order to notify students of their decisions this spring.

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Students navigating the college admissions process continue to experience unique challenges and changes, including the announcement of an entirely digital SAT, continued test-optional policies, increasing application numbers, and more students applying to even more colleges than ever before. All of this has led to an even more competitive year at the most selective colleges in the US, while other schools plan to admit more students than ever before in order to manage enrollment numbers. 

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While it might be OK to go into your weekend without an itinerary in place, the same can’t be said for college admissions. If you’re looking to minimize your stress levels while boosting your odds of getting accepted into your first-choice school, creating a college planning process is essential.

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After many colleges reported all-time low acceptance rates, some students might be curious about their yield rates, or just how many of these admitted applicants have chosen to enroll. Yield is a priority for every college because it impacts their place on rankings lists and it can also influence their bond ratings.

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When preparing students for the college admissions process, we place a lot of emphasis on identifying and developing students’ interests in addition to good grades and test scores. As we’ve said before, students’ interests are important because it helps colleges make admissions decisions and build well-rounded classes. However, developing students’ interests isn’t just about getting into college – they’re a key factor in helping students succeed during their four years and after graduation.

When admissions officers evaluate college applications, they don’t just assess an applicant’s grades and standardized test scores. They also factor in extracurricular activities and your interests to get a comprehensive view of who you are, both inside and outside of the classroom.

While grades and test scores are important decision factors, admissions officers read applications in context and strive to paint a whole picture for each student they review. Colleges want to know exactly how you’ll fit in on campus, what kind of roommate will you be, and what activities you’re likely to get involved in once you’re on

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While more and more international students are studying in the US every year, a number of students are also looking to the UK for university options. The US and UK university systems are dramatically different, however, and many international students struggle with determining which would be the best fit for their learning styles, goals, and interests. With these two admissions systems and processes differing so significantly, it’s important to understand the nuances of US vs. UK admissions and how to apply to each.

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After many colleges reported all-time low acceptance rates, some students might be curious about their yield rates, or just how many of these admitted applicants have chosen to enroll. Yield is a priority for every college because it impacts their place on rankings lists and it can also influence their bond ratings.

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A constant concern of universities, and many college-bound families is the next list of college rankings. Where will an institution land on a list with other “top” colleges, and which schools will be a surprise top 5? But do rankings really matter? The short answer is: no!

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The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way higher education institutions review applications with many colleges choosing to adopt a temporary test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far.

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On January 25, the College Board announced that starting in 2023 and 2024, the SAT (including the PSAT) would become an entirely computer-based exam. High school students and families might be wondering how this will impact their test prep and college prep strategies. Read on to learn more!

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Applying to college and choosing where to enroll is both a major milestone and an important decision. It’s bound to be a little stressful, but it can feel completely overwhelming if you’re not up to date on all of the latest terminology.

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Learn How Bond Ratings Can Impact Admissions

By Nat, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor

Most students understand that academic performance is a major deciding factor in college admissions, but what about the things out of students’ control like bond ratings?

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Which Colleges Are Extending Their Regular Round Application Deadlines?

Earlier this year, we announced that several colleges were opting to extend their early application deadlines. Now, several months later, it looks like many schools are following a similar path for their regular round process.

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Learn What College Admissions Changes to Expect Now and in the Future

The college admissions process has always been multifaceted and complex, but the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have added a new layer of uncertainty. From limited testing options to a lack of campus tours, college applicants are experiencing a new playing field with several noteworthy differences. 

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Join Our Facebook Live Webinars April 15 & 17 to Learn More About How To Prep for College Admissions Process This Fall

Tune in to IvyWise Live on our Facebook page next week, where College Admissions Experts Christine, Scott, Nat, Zach, and Rachel will discuss how students can prepare for the college admissions process this fall and answer your most pressing college prep questions.

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Keep a Level Head While Awaiting College Decisions

With most colleges just days away from announcing their admissions decisions for regular round applicants, countless students are waiting in anticipation to receive their results. Although applicants have already done the “hard” part by compiling their submissions, sometimes waiting can feel like the most challenging component of the process.

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Learn How to Balance it All During Application Season

Between figuring out when to prepare for the SAT, college tours, and keeping up with school work, it’s all too easy for students to neglect their friendships and recreational activities during the college admissions process. While making time for schoolwork and admissions-related tasks is essential, it’s equally important to pencil in time to socialize and enjoy high school.

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Understand How the Rolling Admissions Process Works

Just like there is no one-size-fits-all top-choice college for every student, the application process itself is far from universal. Some students may choose to apply early, while others could benefit from a gap year, regular round applications, or selecting institutions with rolling admissions processes.

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Applying to College This Fall? Check Out These Helpful Resources

The college admissions season is officially underway, and there’s a lot that high school seniors need to do between now and application deadlines on Jan. 1. The college application process can be confusing, but there are a number of online resources that can help students and parents navigate the process this fall.

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“Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself. Colleges Want a Person Not a Paper.”

The college admissions process is officially underway for the high school class of 2018, with the Common Application now open and the new school year just around the corner. Applying to college can be a stressful and intimidating process, but there are simple steps that rising high school seniors can take to make the most of their admissions journey.

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Resources to Help High School Juniors Stay On Track With Their College Planning

The college application process is right around the corner for high school juniors, and we have a number of resources to help college bound juniors get and stay on track before they apply to college in the fall.

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Now that we are at the height of application season, it’s a good idea to start preparing for the possibility of a college admissions interview. This is a chance for the college to put a face to the name on your application, and it is your opportunity to stand out and provide some additional context for your application.

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It’s back to school time and for high school seniors it’s time to start applying to college! Are you ready?

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As students prepare to head back to school, many are examining their class schedule, gauging how difficult the next academic year will be and how they will achieve their grade goals. But it’s not just grades that colleges consider when evaluating applicants for admission. Colleges are also looking at the classes applicants are taking, how challenging they are, and how those courses align with students’ interests and academic goals.

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When I started formulating my balanced college list, I really was unsure what type of university or college I was looking for. I didn’t have a particular major in mind, all I knew was that I wanted to make sure I chose a school that would foster my own academic and professional growth while being a place I would be comfortable and proud to call home.

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It’s only natural for teens to feel pressure when navigating the college admissions process – it is, after all, one of the biggest decisions many teens will have made up until this point. In the January newsletter we covered how to manage test anxiety, which is common among many teens taking the ACT or SAT in hopes of getting into their dream school. While testing anxiety can be crippling, the college preparation process extends beyond one Saturday morning test. Many students can feel overwhelmed going into the process, and the stress can cause problems with grades, family, friends, health, and more.

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Many families have a lot of misconceptions about how the college admissions process works and what goes on behind the closed doors of admissions offices. At IvyWise we’re here to help clear up the confusion with our three-part College Admissions Secrets series. In this last installment we address what families need to know about applications and how admission decisions are made.

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With high school seniors in the thick of the college application process, speculation abounds about how college admissions committees make decisions, what it takes to get in, and whether or not student A is more qualified than student B. “Chancing” is a big part of this frenzy, with students turning to message boards to post their stats in an effort to gain insight as to whether or not they have a shot at their top-choice college. But really goes on behind closed doors?

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There are a lot of misconceptions about what colleges are ‘looking for’ when evaluating college applications. Is it a well-rounded student? A well-rounded class? Students with only high SAT scores? Or students just in the top 10% of their class? Every college’s priorities are different, but here’s some insight into the factors that are important to most colleges based on a survey of college admissions officers themselves.

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It was announced yesterday that over 80 colleges, including all Ivy Leagues and Stanford, had formed a coalition in an effort to increase college access and revamp the way that students apply to college. Known as the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success, this initiative plans to launch a new college application next year that would serve as an alternative to The Common Application.

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 The college application season may be underway for current high school seniors, but there’s another group of admissions hopefuls that also need some guidance this season: undergraduate transfer students.

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It may be summer vacation, but college prep rarely takes a break. Whether you’re getting ready for your first year of high school or preparing for your last, there’s no better time than the present to start thinking about your college admissions goals and how to achieve them. 

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The admissions process for the Class of 2019 is just wrapping up, but we’re already seeing new trends developing for the Class of 2020. From online education to alternative admission options, and even problematic Common Application questions that colleges can use to make admissions decisions, there’s a lot brewing for the next crop of college applicants.

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The first members of the Class of 2019 are in, and many are anxious to see how this year’s early applicants compared to the Class of 2019. Here’s our breakdown of the early admission numbers for the Class of 2019. We will be updating as more statistics become available!

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Recently, IvyWise CEO and founder Dr. Kat Cohen stopped by the TODAY Show to talk about what college students should include in their college applications. A lot of great questions came up, and we want to make sure families are armed with the knowledge they need to succeed. Many of these questions and concerns stem a lack of clarity or  understanding of the college admissions process.  At IvyWise, we strive to help families demystify the college application process and guide students on how to put their best foot forward when it comes time to apply through our college admission counseling services.

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The truth is, there is no foolproof way to guarantee admission to your top-choice college. Admissions officers look at a variety of factors when evaluating college applications, and no singular quality is going to make you a shoo-in.

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Update: If you’re looking for the 2014-15 early decision notification dates for the Class of 2019, you can find them here.

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With the first semester well underway for most members of the Class of 2018, some students may be facing the disappointing realization that their top-choice school is not living up to their expectations. Maybe the decision to attend a school far from home feels overwhelming, or the atmosphere or classes aren’t as expected. Studies show that as many as one in three students transfer schools at least once before earning their diploma, and that a quarter of those students change schools more than once.

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Whether you’re a senior in the middle of a sea of college essays, or a freshman just starting your high school journey, there’s always some level of preparation you need to be focused on for the college admissions process. There are many different stages to preparing for college, and each can seem a little overwhelming to parents and students if they’re unsure of how to manage the process.  

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The Internet is a significant tool in the college search process. Students can learn about prospective colleges, what it takes to get in, what they need to do to apply, how to stand out in the application pool, and more. With so much information available with just the click of a button (or a simple Google search), it can sometimes be hard to sift through what’s valuable and what’s not.

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